Dwight Hollister

Near Portsmouth, Va.

Feb. 17, 1864

Dear Brother Henry and All at Home;

Our beautiful weather came to a close night before last. Clouds came and rain followed in torrents. The morning came out clear but it grew cold all day and last night everything froze stiff. Today it thaws a little on the sunny side of buildings but otherwise the cold wind sustains the last nights work. I have moved within as reasonable distance of the fire so that my fingers and feet may work according to order. 

We have a woodpile this morning the efforts of Dwight’s providence. I think 195 pounds of muscle ought to be equal to the task. Dwight makes a good bedfellow to snug up to cold nights. And he has enough of Aunt Patty about him so that he doesn’t want a load of clothes on in warm weather. The opposite natures of Uncle Sherman and Aunt Patty seem to be well and harmoniously united in Dwight.

We have letters from our western cousing quite often. Dwight is probably their best correspondent— the most punctual. I have received letters from Charlie, Lucius’ oldest boy, Rosa Phelps, Addie & Julia, Noble’s two oldest girls, and Clark’s family. Which fact testifies how they are growing to be men and women. They were children l2 years old when I wast here. Now they are starting out into the world...

Another mouse has just died. Little innocent fellows, but they will get into Dwight’s “box trap”.